Many women surprisingly go undiagnosed for years of Vitamin B12 deficiency. The problem with B 12 deficiency is that they are not found in routine blood tests. It is easy for people to attribute the deficiency symptoms to being busy or stressed. There are a few nutrients here and there, juice bars adding up to smoothies, and many celebrities getting injected with B12 injections. They are considered an immediate solution for sluggish metabolism to low energy.
Studies have shown that nearly 15 % of the population suffers from B12 deficiency, and another 40% are close to borderline. This is scary as nutrients are essential to keep your nerve and blood cells healthy and keep you charged.
Growing Risk
B12 deficiencies seem to impact two major categories -one who takes Vitamin B12 from natural sources like meat, eggs, fish, and dairy. Vegans who are out of this category seem susceptible to having the deficiency. A similar story is coming up with women having chronic gut inflammation, heartburn sufferers, Crohn’s disease that limits the body to absorb nutrients.
What Causes B12 Deficiency?
Diet is one of the main reasons for developing B12 deficiency. If one is not getting a diet that includes fish, meat, and dairy products or those who are vegetarian or vegans and not taking the B12 supplements, they can have B12 issues.
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
The symptoms can go from mild to severe in a short time if ignored. Some common low B12 symptoms people face is losing the sense of taste. B12 deficiency causes papillae – the tiny taste bud that contains bumps.
A lack of B12 can damage nerve cells leading to pins and needles sensations in the hands and legs. The tingy feeling becomes permanent if ignored, according to Joshua Miller, professor, and nutritional Science Chair at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. Miller says that nerves in the spinal cord that branches to the legs can leave one wobbly if the B12 protection is not there.
If you frequently forget your keys or go blank remembering the name of your favorite restaurant, you need to take it seriously and get tested. Nerve damage to the brain may leave one confused and forgetful. This mental go wrong is known to progress quickly and become irreversible. Some symptoms represent severe dementia in years.
Chronic Vitamin B12 Deficiency
A continuous lack of B12 vitamin deficiency can lead to anxiety and depression. One theory is that low B12 affects the production of dopamine and serotine, which are mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. If you feel low with no apparent reason for stress taking a toll on the mood, consult your physician.
Final Thoughts
If you have no preexisting disease and are perfectly healthy yet have fatigue, depression, confusion, and tingling sensation, you probably have Vitamin B12 deficiencies.
